ESA Foundation Raises Over $800,000 At “Nite To Unite – For Kids”

The folks at the ESA foundation are at it again, raising funds for charities and doing really cool things with the proceeds they are collecting. Those proceeds and the things they do with them are not only helping people by taking care of their needs but also helping the gaming industry by helping to shed a positive light on gamers and game developers.

The Entertainment Software Association Foundation announced that they raised $822,000 at its 15th annual “Nite to Unite – for Kids” black-tie gala which will help to fund ESAF’s grant-making activities and scholarship program which allow for more educational opportunities with which to make a difference in the lives of America’s youth.

Since its start in 2000, the ESAF has raised more than $12 million.

“Nite to Unite’s success is due to the video game industry’s generosity, leadership and commitment to children,” said Michael D. Gallagher, president and CEO of ESA, the trade association that represents U.S. computer and video game publishers. “Our industry once again came together to support programs and initiatives that equip America’s young adults with the skills they need for academic and workforce success.”

At the event, the ESAF discussed a new partnership with Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals (CMN Hospitals) which will and nonprofit children’s hospitals across North America. The ESAF and the CMN are collaborating on Extra-Life.org‘s annual video game marathon which taps into the social backbone of the gaming community and enables players to raise money for the CMN hospital of their choice. Since 2008, Extra Life has raised more than $2 million to aid in providing life saving medical equipment and care to millions of kids.

In addition, ESAF announced its 2013 beneficiaries:

Federation of American Scientists, which will distribute a game to enhance high school level science instruction and deepen students’ understanding of biology.

George Mason University Foundation, whichwill provide underserved middle and high school students with the chance to participate in after-school game design classes.

HopeLab Foundation, whichwill use technology and video games to improve the health of youth, especially those with cancer.

Lewis and Clark Foundation, whichwill support the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail Interpretive Center, focusing on education and children’s programs.

National Conference of State Legislatures, whichwilldevelop and implement interactive games to teach students about lawmaking and democracy.

Parents’ Choice Foundation, which will develop a resource for parents, educators and healthcare professionals that will provide uniform testing, certification and identification of digital games for children of all abilities, including those with special needs.

Smithsonian American Art Museum, whichopened “The Art of Video Games” exhibition this year highlighting the 40-year evolution of video games,will provide electronic resources to schools and the public.

ThanksUSA,a non-partisan charitable organization, which will provide scholarships and education resources to the children of those serving in the U.S. armed forces.

University of Texas at Austin, which will support an immersive science learning program for middle school students, developed by its College of Education.

World Wide Workshop Foundation, which will harness the potential of computer games to improve learning, leadership and livelihood skills of underserved children and youth.

About the ESAF

The ESAF was created by the American entertainment software industry to provide opportunities that can make a difference in the lives of America’s youth. The Foundation is fully supported by proceeds from its limited edition charity game pack’s sales and “Nite to Unite – for Kids,” its annual fundraiser. For more information about the ESAF, please visitwww.theESA.com/foundation.